Leptosiphon aureus
Bristly leptosiphon
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Leptosiphon aureus (Bristly leptosiphon) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by yellow corolla lobes and densely glandular-hairy calyx.
Bristly leptosiphon is a California native annual found in the North Coast, North Coast Ranges, and San Francisco Bay Area in grassy areas, woodland, and chaparral at elevations below 700 meters. Flowering from April to May, this delicate plant produces bright yellow to pale pink flowers with thread-like tubes and oblanceolate lobes. Growing with hairy stems 3 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in open landscapes. Its leaves have slender, needle-like lobes 3 to 11 millimeters long that give the plant a fine, delicate texture. The flower's glandular-hairy calyx and exserted stamens add to its distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; yellow corolla lobes and densely glandular-hairy calyx are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassy areas, woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 700 m
California counties: Humboldt, Marin, Napa, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Alameda, Butte, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Colusa, Tulare
Bloom period
Leptosiphon aureus blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Linanthus: Leptosiphon flowers open in daytime on stalks >2mm; Linanthus flowers often open at dusk/night on very short stalks.; vs Phlox: Leptosiphon leaves are deeply divided into fingers; Phlox leaves are completely undivided.; vs Navarretia: Leptosiphon has soft, flexible leaf lobes; Navarretia has rigid, spine-tipped leaf lobes and bracts.; vs Gilia: Leptosiphon has opposite palmately-lobed leaves; Gilia has alternate pinnately-lobed leaves.; vs Sabulina: Leptosiphon has tubular 5-petaled flowers and lobed leaves; Sabulina has 5 separate petals and needle-like leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leptosiphon aureus native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon aureus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon aureus bloom?
Leptosiphon aureus blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Leptosiphon aureus grow?
Leptosiphon aureus occurs in Humboldt, Marin, Napa, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Alameda, Butte and other counties, at elevations of < 700 m.
What plant family does Leptosiphon aureus belong to?
Leptosiphon aureus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
Is Leptosiphon aureus rare or endangered?
Leptosiphon aureus carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.